Overview
CDPH is committed to effectively delivering essential public health services directly and/or thorough strong and effective partnership. CDPH is a nationally accredited health department—mobilizing communities and institutions to transform policies and systems towards a culture of equity, antiracism, healing and health for all people and our planet.
CDPH continues to build and strengthen a work culture where all employees are inspired to share their talents and ideas, to become part of a team that works to better serve the needs of California’s diverse communities by delivering innovative solutions and quality resources. We are committed to creating an environment where all employees are included, treated with dignity and respect, and in a position to contribute to protecting the health of all Californians.
Join our diverse support unit within the Center for Healthy Communities!
“The salary information listed on this advertisement may not reflect recent salary increases from salary adjustments or changes in the fiscal year.”
*The CDPH is not currently an E-Verify employer.
Department Website: https://www.cdph.ca.gov
This position supports the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) mission and strategic plan by serving as a highly skilled, technical project manager and integral component of the Center Office staff with the responsibility to provide guidance and expertise to assist the Deputy Director in the coordination of administrative, policy, and program issues.
The candidate works under the direction of the Deputy Director (DD), Center for Healthy Communities (CHC). The Health Program Specialist (HPS) II serves as the CHC Leadership Assistant and project manager in technically complex and politically sensitive special projects as well as administrative activities assigned by the DD. This position supports and advises the DD regarding public health policy program development related to CHC. The HPS II maintains open and ongoing communication with CDPH management and internal/external partners for the Centers/Division/Offices (C/D/Os) to enable effective coordination between the DD, California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS/Agency), CDPH Directorate and the Governor’s Office.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program (PLP) 2025. This program temporarily reduces employees’ monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits through June 2027. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the salary reduction.
Minimum Requirements
You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
HEALTH PROGRAM SPECIALIST II
Desirable Qualifications
In addition to evaluating each candidate’s relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
Understanding of health equity and social determinants of health.
Excellent communication both written and oral, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Self-motivated and strong work ethic.
Ability to build and foster collaborative relationships.
Ability to interact effectively and achieve results with internal staff and external partners including academia, and local and state health departments.
Experience working with multiple levels of staff including executive management, fast paced environment with experience in handling multiple competing priorities and shifting expectations.
Knowledge of ADA Compliance and Guidance.
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included.
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Jobs/JobPosting.aspx?JobControlId=496764
At the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), equity, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our mission to advance the health and well-being of California’s diverse people and communities. We are genuinely and strongly committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of inclusion and connectedness where we can grow and learn together with a diverse team of employees. In recruiting for team members, we welcome the unique contributions that you can bring to us and the work we do.
About The California Department of Public Health
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) works to protect the public's health in the Golden State and helps shape positive health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. The Department's programs and services, implemented in collaboration with local health departments and state, federal and private partners, touch the lives of every Californian and visitor to the state 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Our Shared Vision
CDPH public health professionals, researchers, scientists, doctors, nurses, and other staff members have a shared vision to protect and improve the health of all Californians. We are dedicated to public service and passionate about our work and the people and communities we serve and protect.
